LOOK: Outrage over effigy of Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi

Johannesburg - There was outrage on Thursday after Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi shared images showing an effigy of him being paraded and eventually hung outside the Basic Education Department's Pretoria offices.

On Wednesday, the MEC shared a picture on Twitter showing two white men holding an effigy of him and then proceeding to hang it.

Lesufi explained that the "morons" came to "hang" him and added that "We defeated your racists grandparents, you are nothing!"

Lesufi went on to explain previous harassment levelled against him, ranging from having his car blocked, being insulted at malls and having his children also intimidated.

All this, Lesufi claimed he was able to stomach, but stressed that the latest act was a step too far. He added that while he intends to take the matter forward, the focus should not be shifted from ensuring children receive quality education.

Hendrick Makaneta, the deputy chairperson of Education for Social Justice Foundation (ESJF) meanwhile, said the organisation was disturbed by the incident and expressed concern for the MEC's safety.

"The foundation is concerned that Lesufi continues to be subjected to racial threats by opponents of unity and cohesion who are trying to do everything in their power to undermine progress that has been registered, particularly for school learners since 1994.

"The foundation appeals to government to beef up security measures in order to protect the MEC from anarchists who are extremely opposed to the much needed integration of Afrikaans and English schools across the province."